Page 41 of Claimed by the Lawman

“Move, Kace. It’s time Bane realized he can’t push us Poseys around and get by with it.”

“Like hell I’ll move. You’re going to get yourself killed, woman,” he muttered.

“Then you’ll know who the murderer is unlike the person who got away with killing my sister.” She pulled back on Spark’s reins and the horse lifted her front hooves, whinnying. Then Tyler and the horse took off, kicking up dust and dirt as they sped toward Bane’s property…and a whole lot of trouble.

“Fuck!” Kace looked back at Randy. “You okay until the men get here?”

Randy nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay. Go get her. Bane’s a dangerous man.” He waved his hand.

Jumping into the saddle, Kace turned the horse in the direction where Tyler flew off. With a groan, he set his horse into a fast gallop, leaned into its neck and soon he was catching up to Tyler, although she kept a good distance from him. He had an idea to drag her over his knee when he caught up to her.

By the time they were neck to neck, she was already riding up to Bane’s house and several of his hands came running out, shotguns aimed. Kace cursed as he slid out of his saddle and caught up to Tyler, grabbing her gently by the elbow. “Don’t try to stop me, Kace!”

“Don’t try to stop you from what, my dear?” came a man’s voice.

Both Kace and Tyler brought their chins up to look at Bane who was standing on the steps to the porch. He was looking down at them with a smug grin.

“Boss?” one of the men with a shotgun said, then spit in the grass.

Bane waved the handful of men back. “I got this, boys.”

“Are one of you the man who came onto my father’s property and hit a hand over the head?” Tyler pushed through clenched teeth.

Bane straightened his back and hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. “I’m afraid we’ve never met. I’d remember.” He ran his slitted grey gaze down her body.

“This is Johnny Posey’s daughter. One of his men was struck over the head and he named one of your men as the assailant. I’m here to ask some questions and Tyler rode along.” He met Tyler’s gaze sending her a silent message. With a narrowed eye, she shifted and sighed. “Randy is pretty banged up. I’m sure he’ll be filing a report, Bane.”

He shrugged arrogantly. “Well, rightly so he should file a report against the man who did this, but I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place. All my boys have been right here, working.”

“You’re lying!” Tyler snapped.

“Feel free to ask them, Ms. Posey.” Bane jutted his chin.

Kace turned and eyed each of Bane’s men, several of his sons were among the group. “Any one of you know about this?”

The oldest, Kent, chuckled. “We’ve been here working. Just as Pa said.” The rest of the crew nodded in agreement.

Just as Kace figured it would be. This was a waste of time.

“See, son. Our hands are clean,” Bane said with an arrogant grin.

“Be forewarned that I’ll be back,” Kace said calmly. “Come on, Tyler. Let’s go.” He reached for her hand.

“What do you mean? One of his men hit Randy over the head. Is he just going to get away with it?” Tyler’s eyes turned a shade darker and her bottom lip trembled.

“Let’s go back and speak to Randy.”

“This is completely ridiculous.” She turned to Bane and pointed. “You won’t get away with this. You think because you have money that you can do anything. My ranch is off limits.”

“You mean your father’s ranch?” Bane shifted his boots. “You ain’t ready to take on the helm, pretty lady.” He turned to Kace. “Can’t you control your woman, Sheriff? I hear she’s the one wearing the badge these days.”

The surrounding men laughed.

Kace worked his jaw. He understood how men like Bane worked. They found a man’s buttons and pushed them. For Kace, Tyler was his weakness and that was a terrible thing, especially when she flew off the handle all too easily.

He looked down at Tyler. “Now get on that horse or I’ll put you on,” he whispered.

She cursed and stomped toward Spark.

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